Student Handbook | Mount Royal School

Student Handbook 2015-2016

2234 - 14 Street SW Calgary, AB T2T 3T3

Telephone: 403-777-7980 Fax: 403-777-7983

Website: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b639

Leadership Team:

Principal – Nicole Weber | 403-777-7980 ext. 2123

Assistant Principal – David Fettes | 403-777-7980 ext. 2223

Learning Leader – Shannon Teasdale | 403-777-7980 ext. 2004

Students and parents should visit the school’s website at http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b639 for a complete copy of the school handbook. Copies of the complete handbook are also available in the main office.

http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b639

Mount Royal School-Student Handbook 2015-2016

School Calendar 2015-2016 Sept 1 Orientation Day Grade 7: 9:00-12:15 pm Grade 8/9: 1:00-3:10 pm SpecED: 9:00-12:15 pm Sept 2 Regular classes Sept 7 Labour Day Sept 9 Picture Day Sept 24 Meet the Teacher

6:30-8:00pm Sept 25 PD Day Oct.12 Thanksgiving Oct 22 HomeLogic opens Oct 27 Picture Re-takes Oct 28 Conferences 2:00-7:00 pm Oct 29 Conferences 2:00-7:00 pm Oct 30 HomeLogic closes PD Day Nov 11 Remembrance Day Nov 20 PD Day Dec 3 HomeLogic opens Dec 4 PD Day Dec 11 HomeLogic closes Dec 17 Last day of classes Dec 18 PD Day Dec 19-Jan 3 Winter Break Jan 4 Classes resume Jan 5 Human Sexuality – Gr 7 Jan 12 Human Sexuality- Gr 8 Jan 19 Human Sexuality- Gr 9 Jan 22 Report cards go home Jan 27 Conferences 2:00-7:00 pm Jan 28 Conferences 2:00-7:00 pm Jan 29 PD Day

Feb 1 PD Day Feb 2 Term 2 begins Feb 11/12 Teacher’s Convention Feb 15 Family Day Feb 18 Gr 6 Tours

Parent Open House 6:30-8:00pm

March 17 Last day of classes March 18 PD Day March 19-28 Spring Break March 29 Classes resume March 31 Photo Day April 20 Conferences 2:00-7:00 pm April 21 Conferences 2:00-7:00 pm April 22 PD Day April 25 PD Day May 10 PAT-Gr 9 LA May 19 Athletic Awards Evening May 20 PD Day May 23 Victoria Day June 17 Last day of regular classes Grade 9 Celebration June 20 PAT-Gr 9 Science Final-Gr 7/8 June 21 Final –Gr 7/8 June 22 PAT-Gr 9 Math Final –Gr 7/8 June 23 PAT-Gr 9 LA Final-Gr 7/8 June 24 PAT-Gr 9 Social Studies Final-Gr 7/8 June 27 Awards Report cards go home June 28 Appeals Day June 29 Org Day

Bell Schedule

9:00-9:52 Period 1 9:54-10:46 Period 2 10:48-11:50 Period 3 Options/ Health 11:50-12:30 Lunch 12:30-1:22 Period 4 1:24-2:16 Period 5 2:18-3:10 Period 6 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Core A Core E Core D Core C Core B Core B Core A Core E Core D Core C Option A Option B Option A Option B Health Core C Core B Core A Core E Core D Core D Core C Core B Core A Core E Core E Core D Core C Core B Core A Our school day runs from 9:00 am – 3:10 pm daily. All students will take 5 core subjects (Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, Science, and Physical Education) as well as health. In addition, students will choose up to 4 options, two each semester for a total of two semesters.


WELCOME TO MOUNT ROYAL SCHOOL

Reaching for Excellence!

Mount Royal School is a diverse learning community comprised of many different cultures, races and religions. Students come from approximately 30 countries and speak more than 32 different languages. Our student population is around 220 which include English

Language Learners (ELL) and an ACCESS and TASC (special education) class. There are 21 teachers and support staff to meet the needs of our learners.

Our Vision

Mount Royal School has embraced a vision of Excellence for All which is reflected in our motto Reaching for Excellence. We believe that all students have the right to a quality education, that high academic standards must be set and that students can and will succeed in ways that reflect their aptitudes and interests.

Mount Royal strives to form partnerships within the school as well as outside the school walls to build our school community. Students are taught by outstanding teaching teams who can personalize learning for students’ talents and needs. We believe that partnerships with parents will help students achieve their potential. Volunteers are key in supporting school programs that benefit students and we would like to encourage parents and families to get involved in one or some of the many great opportunities we offer to our students.

At Mount Royal, we focus on student achievement and preparing our students to be 21st century learners. We ensure that all of our resources are used effectively towards this end. This includes purchasing a variety of diverse learning tools like assistive technology that assists our students in their learning. Our School Council supports students’ activities and equipment purchases through casino funds.

Mount Royal believes that we can help students achieve their potential through our commitment to character and character education. We have chosen seven core virtues which are discussed in classes and recognized at term assemblies. These core virtues are respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion, self-discipline, perseverance, and giving. We believe in developing leadership in our students so they can become their own advocates in the learning process.


Extracurricular Activities

Program Specifics

School life at Mount Royal includes a variety of activities for students. We believe the more involve students to become with their school the more they will get out of school. These activities include interscholastic sports (usually soccer, volleyball, badminton, basketball, and track and field), noon intramural activities, jazz band, etc. Our band and drama students perform at assemblies throughout the year, our drama program puts on two mini productions, and student art is featured around the school. Other annual events include Open House, Celebration of Cultures, and other special events organized by and requested by students. Depending on student interest, we may also offer dances for Mount Royal students and encourage parents to volunteer as chaperones. No outside guests are permitted to attend school dances. The school expectations at dances are the same as during the regular school day and the dress code is the same. Students who are absent on the day of the dance due to illness will not be allowed to attend the dance. Inappropriate behaviour or irregular attendance may also result in revoking dance privileges.

Student Awards

We believe that individual growth can be encouraged through public recognition of success. At semester assemblies, students are honoured for excellence in academics, athletics, and citizenship.

Student Assessment

Evaluation helps students grow and be more successful in their learning. Students have the right to know in advance how they will be evaluated. Students who are excusably absent need to make up missed work, tests, etc. in a timely fashion after their return to school.

The staff at Mount Royal personalizes the learning environment for all students by placing students in the program in which they will have the best chance of educational success. Retention is based on many factors – academic achievement, skill level, social adjustment, maturity, etc. If a student does not achieve academic success, they will be considered for retention in their current grade or a special placement to the next grade after discussions with students, parents and administration.

Homework

Homework is a student responsibility. We encourage students to keep a careful daily record of assignments in an agenda. Homework, tests, reminders, and important information are also posted on a daily basis on Desire to Learn (D2L). Homework may include assignments or daily review. A general expectation is that students spend approximately 30 minutes a day on homework, review or reading at home. Students who are spending significantly more time than this are encouraged to talk to their subject teachers so that the possible solutions can be investigated.

Home Logic, Report Cards, and Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences


Formal report cards are issued twice a year (January and June). HomeLogic access will occur throughout the year (see calendar). Parents and students should log in to their HomeLogic account during these times to check for missed assignments and tests. All missed work is expected to be completed. Conferences are held in October, January, and April. Students are invited and encouraged to attend with their parents. All Conferences need to be pre-booked, please call 403-777-7980 ext. 0 to schedule your meeting time.

Physical Education

Physical Education is a core course and is offered each day at Mount Royal. Students are expected to wear Mt. Royal shorts and t-shirt, and suitable running shoes to PE classes. The school sells school t-shirts and shorts all throughout the year if a student outgrows or loses his/her school gym strip. If students have a legitimate health reason for not participating temporarily in PE, they must bring a note from a parent to the PE teacher stating the reason and the dates that the student is to be excused. If the student will miss more than three days of PE, a note from a doctor is required.

Complementary-Option Courses

We believe that students have talents outside of the academic areas and need an opportunity to explore different learning activities. We offer a full range of complementary or option courses with the specific courses offered dependent on staff expertise and student enrollment. Mount Royal has two semesters each year and students take the equivalent of two options each semester for a total of four options (full year courses such as band count as two options).

School Fees

The Instructional Resource Fee (IRF) is set by the Calgary Board of Education and covers the basic cost of instructional supplies and materials for all classes. This annual fee is $137.00 for junior high students. There is also a refundable caution fee charged for lost or damaged instructional resources such as textbooks and library books. This fee is collected and refunded annually. This fee is $50.

There may also be some additional fees charged for field trips, special materials or supplies, special activities, extracurricular activities, or co-curricular activities such as Outdoor Education. Rental of musical instruments for band is $100.00 a year.

Waivers forms are available in the main office for parents. Fees will be collected on September 18, 2015, and may be paid on-line or at the school via cash, debit, credit or cheque. We realize that “back to school season” can be an expensive time of the year. We are fortunate to be given some backpacks from Staples to help our students. Please contact the office if you or a family you know of needs assistance with a backpack or waiver forms.


Routines

Learning Commons

Students have access to the library in the morning and at noon in order to do homework, browse through the books, use the computer resources, sign out materials, or read. Computers are to be used for learning and school work. Up to two books may be signed out for a two weeks. There is a charge for lost or damaged materials. Numerous on-line resources are available through the library, or from home via D2L. The Learning Centre in the library is available to students on Thursdays. For students that have missed work or need one-to-one support, they may request a time in the Learning Centre with their subject teacher.

Attendance

Students who attend school regularly and punctually build a solid foundation for success. If students are going to be absent for any reason, parents need to call the absence line prior to the absence (403-777-7980, ext. 1) and state the student name, homeroom, date, and reason for absence. If no call is received, a call home will be made to the parent/guardian. Students may alternatively bring a signed note from a parent to the office when they return. Students who are going on a family holiday for longer than one week need to get a Leave of Absence form from the school office. It is a student’s responsibility to consult with teachers about work missed during absences and to make up work and tests.

We understand that students may be late for many legitimate reasons such as appointments, bus issues, and severe traffic delays. Students who arrive late as the result of an appointment should bring an appointment slip or note with them and give it to the office when they arrive at school. The office is usually aware of severe bus and traffic issues and will excuse those lates. Being late to class is extremely disruptive to the learning of others. Students who are late for reasons other than those listed above may receive detentions, phone calls or letters home, or other consequences. Leaving campus is a privilege and students who return late after lunch will have this privilege review and not be allowed to leave campus for a period of time.

Students who become ill at school should come to the office and contact their parents for permission to go home. If the parents are not available, we may contact the emergency contacts. If students need to leave school early for an appointment or any other reason, they must check out at the school office with a note from their parents.

Dress and Grooming

One of the purposes of school is to prepare students for life. We recognize that society sets basic expectations that go beyond specific skills. These basic expectations would include how one dresses and behaves. As a place of learning, Mount Royal students are expected to dress and behave in a respectful manner. The following restrictions apply:

Revealing clothes such as short skirts and shorts, halter tops, tank tops, tube tops, midriff shirts, muscle shirts, ripped and torn jeans, and clothing that reveals undergarments

Clothing with offensive or inappropriate words, slogans, or pictures including those that


involve drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes Jewelry that poses safety concerns such as long wallet chains. This type of clothing is

not appropriate and students will be asked to change or be sent home to change if they do not have other clothing.

Lunch

Students are welcome to eat lunch at the school; microwaves and hot water are provided for student use. Students are expected to use the garbage and recycling bins provided. There are intramurals at lunch and students may also engage in outdoor activities or complete homework in the Library. Students are not permitted on the second floor from 12:00 pm to 12:25 pm unless working with a teacher.

School Arrival and Departure

Parents need to know that we cannot provide adequate supervision of students early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Students who arrive early in the morning need to quietly work at the tables or in the library or they will be asked to leave. If possible, students who are not involved in a teacher-sponsored activity or practice should arrive no earlier than 8:15 am and should leave the school by 3:30 pm.

Dropping Students off/Picking Students Up

Parents driving their students to school or picking them up after school should do so on 13 Street. Parents must not drive into the parking lot. There are a number of buses for our special education students in the parking lot at the beginning and end of the day. Extra cars are a danger to these students and to other students. Please do not park in the areas reserved for staff parking as often the staff member is returning.

Locks & Lockers

Security of student items is important to us. For this reason, students are issued a locker, a Phys. Ed. locker, and locks. Lock combinations should never be shared with others and student property should be put in the lockers and securely locked. We encourage students not to leave items of value in lockers and to bring large sums of money (such as school fees) to the office for safekeeping. The lockers are school property and are loaned to students. Occasionally the need arises for administration to perform a locker search. Students may not change locks or lockers without the express permission of their homeroom teacher or administration. Doing so without permission may result in the student losing the privilege of having a locker to use. There will be regular locker cleanouts occurring during in homeroom time.

Vending Machines

Students can purchase snacks and beverages from the vending machines before school, at lunch, or after school. The machines are not to be used during class time or at class change.

Emergency Procedures


We will practice emergency procedures such as fire drills and lockdowns. During a fire drill, students are to listen to instructions, leave the building quietly and in an orderly fashion, and stand in a single file for attendance. During a lockdown, students are to remain silent in their classrooms, and move away from any windows or doors. Use of cell phones and other electronic devices during a lockdown is strictly prohibited.

Off-Site Activities

Off-site activities are an important part of the curriculum at Mount Royal. These activities include field trips in various subject areas held during school hours. Students are expected to participate in curricular field trips. If the cost of a field trip poses a problem, parents are asked to contact the teacher concerned so that arrangements can be made for the student to participate. Students may not be allowed to participate due to behavior will be given a separate assignment. Students are expected to follow the Mount Royal Code of Conduct while representing our school in the community. Occasionally, teachers may suggest that students visit the public library or other community resource outside of school hours. It should be understood that the school does not supervise these activities.

Comprehensive School Health

As part of our participation in the Comprehensive School Health program, the school nurse is at Mount Royal one day per week.

Computer Access

We have a main computer lab in Room 3, Room 11 and another lab in the library. Some students will be assigned laptops as part of their individual program plan (IPP). Students must follow the guidelines of acceptable use (see Electronic Devices). Computers are available for student use before school, and at lunch most days on a first-come, first-served basis. Students completing assignments for class will have preferential access to computers during these times.

MOUNT ROYAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

Mount Royal has a code of conduct that has been developed with input from students, parents, and staff. Expectations at Mount Royal are designed to enhance positive student development as well a safe and secure climate for everyone in the building. The Declaration of Rights, created by Mount Royal students and staff, states that everyone has the right to an education.

To learn, ask questions, seek help, take chances and learn from mistakes, be protected from violence, harassment and abuse, equal treatment regardless of gender, age, or cultural background, and freedom of expression in a way that is considerate of others

Based on these rights the following are the expectations for our students:

MOUNT ROYAL SCHOOL BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS

Be Responsible


Show self-control while at school (words and actions) Follow the “Responsible Use of Technology” guidelines Treat school grounds and facilities in a positive way

Be Respectful

Respect the rights of others to learn Follow ALL adults’ directions Use school appropriate language on school grounds (classroom, hallways, gym, PE

locker rooms, school field/sport court) Be a positive Mount Royal citizen

Be Successful

Attend classes and be on time Be prepared to learn: bring necessary materials and complete work on time Be engaged in your learning Seek help when needed Have a positive attitude Maintaining strong relationships that support learning is a priority for our staff.

Teachers will work with students who are having difficulty meeting these expectations. Should a student behavior disrupt the learning of themselves or others they may be sent to the office to complete an Incident Report Form. Students are to meet with the teacher after school to discuss the situation and resolve the problem. The form may be taken home for a parent signature or the teacher may phone the parent. In the case of serious or repeated offences, administration will be involved.

Consequences may include:

Meetings with parents Detentions or privileges revoked Suspensions – in-school and home Referral to special programs or courses Involvement of the police in cases where the action is criminal in nature Referral to a CBE delegate for expulsion from Mount Royal

MOUNT ROYAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY – ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Access


Electronic networkable devices and network access require teacher permission and supervision. Printing student work is permitted with staff permission. All students are eligible to receive a CBE e-mail account. By utilizing the school’s computers and / or the network, the following agreement is accepted. Acceptable Use of Electronic Information Resources The privilege to use devices and / networks is dependent on the level of responsibility shown by individual students. It is our intent to have all students access these tools for learning on an ongoing basis. At this point, the permitted tools are laptops, ipods, ipads and smartphones. Students are allowed to have cell phones but they must be placed on their desk during class time (in sight of the teacher). Students using smartphones are to access the internet solely using the CBE LAWN network. All data should be switched off once students enter the school. Students are encouraged to use technology to:

Access, critically assess, and communicate information and understanding Seek alternative viewpoints Collaborate during inquiry Construct personal knowledge and meaning Demonstrate understandings Organize and manipulate data Interact with others Make cross-curricular connections

If cell phones are misused, student will be disciplined according to school policy. The following acts and prohibited sites constitute inappropriate use and may endanger students, and/or possibly damage the network, hardware, and/or software: Prohibited acts include

Use of someone else’s CBE account or access to network Being on the CBE LAWN without a direct learning purpose Sharing their own personal device with anyone Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures Using obscene language Posting material on any Social Networking sites during school hours Harassing, insulting, or attacking another person or their reputation Trespassing in other people’s folders, work, or files Accessing, posting, sending or downloading of inappropriate material

Assuming the identity of another person to gain information Viewing web pages through a proxy server Running an application/program from a memory stick/jump drive In any way moving, or opening hardware or computer accessories Any attempt and/or threat to harm a person


Plagiarism of online content Posting, publishing, circulating or distributing personal information (including

pictures) about oneself or others without the supervision and consent of a staff member

Sharing of usernames and passwords for other people to use Use of technology or the network to access sites / software not approved by

staff Using technology during exams Listening to music/videos during instruction Texting and gaming during classes

Students must respect intellectual property and adhere to copyright, software piracy and fair dealing laws associated with learning technologies.

Prohibited Sites include Vulgar or lewd depiction of the human body Any content publicly labelled for adults Violent acts On-line gambling Sites that encourage the use of illicit or illegal drugs, tobacco, or alcohol Sites that advocate violence or hatred against an identifiable group i.e. race, religion,

gender, disabilities, age, colour, sexual orientation, etc. Sites promoting criminal activity

Violation of the Crossing Park Policy

Each situation is dealt with on an individual basis and breach of policy may result in:

restriction or loss of computer/electronic device privileges confiscation of personal device school based disciplinary consequences; and / or Police intervention and/or legal action

School Disclaimer

The school is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of student property,

including electronic devices. The school will not provide technical support for students’ devices. Devices can only be brought into the classroom when deemed appropriate by

the teacher Devices can only be used for educational purposes


Misuse will be determined by staff/administration Digital Citizenship is a shared responsibility between students, parents and

school Parents are expected to support and promote the Crossing Park Acceptable Use

Policy, and students are expected to abide by it.

Respecting Community

Students should show respect for school and community property by placing garbage in garbage bins and recyclables in the recycling containers. In order that we maintain our positive relationship with our community neighbours, students should not loiter or trespass on grounds of private homes, alleys or apartment buildings.

Respecting Property

Students must respect the property of the school and the property of students and staff. Students who vandalize or graffiti school property may be charged by the Calgary Police Service. Restitution for damages may be sought by Mount Royal School and/or by the Calgary Board of Education.

Food and Drink in Class

We believe that students learn better when they are well-nourished and eat healthy snacks. At teacher discretion, nutritious snacks are allowed in class as are fruit juices and water. Students who buy pop or slurpees at lunch must throw these in the garbage before entering classes.

Smoking

Students may not smoke on, or within the sight of, school property or while participating in any school events.

Bikes/Skateboards/Rollerblades/Scooters

If students bring a bicycle to school, it must be parked in the racks provided and locked with a good quality lock. To minimize theft, it is recommended that students lock their bikes separately. The school is not responsible for bicycles parked on the school grounds. We are not able to store student’s bikes inside the school. Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades may not be used in the school or on CBE property due to safety and liability concerns.

Student Handbook | Mount Royal School

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